Geocaching Lets Go On A Treasure Hunt

This presentation is created for an introductory GPS and geocaching training session with educators. It will be presented at the 3C's ETC (Connect, Communicate & Collaborate Educational Technology Conference) at The Behrend College, Penn State University in Erie, PA.

Transcript

1. Geocaching:Lets go on aTreasure Hunt! Mary Beth Hengelbrok http://mhengelbrok.wikispaces.com/geocaching The sport where YOU are the search engine

2.

A high-tech treasure hunt

Need a GPS

Seek a cache based on latitude andlongitude coordinates

This is not just a teaching tool, its alifetime activity.

What is Geocaching? 3.

Global Positioning System

Approx: $100-$500

Garmin and Magellan are the most popular

Can download cache

Info into the receiver if it is properly equipped

iPhones

Groundspeak App $10

GPS 4.

Using three satellites, you should be able to determine your exact position through trilateration.

Some variables include:

Trees

Buildings

Atmospheric Interference, etc.

*A typical hand held receiver gets within 5-15 feet.

How Does It Work? 5.

Build an account on

www.geocaching.com

Search by city, zip code, state, driving route, etc.

(I usually search by zip code--16506)

Record the latitude and longitude coordinatesand read the hints!

How do I find a cache? 6.

Sign the log book

Trade itemsTake something, leavesomething

Look for travel bugs and geocoins

Be sure to put the cache back in the sameplace you found it with theappropriate amount of camouflage.

Survival Guide 12. Muggles:Those who are not geocachers.You must be careful to be stealthy around them!TFTC:Thanks for the Cache TFTF:Thanks for the Find TNLN:Took Nothing Left Nothing Some Lingo 13.

Reading latitude and longitude

Map skills

Using a compass

Can add a research component

Cross-curricular connections

Letterboxing Hybrid

Educational Benefits 14.

http://www.educaching.com/

Resource for lesson plans, how-to CD

$32.00

Also includes ideas for

grant writing

Educaching 15. www.geocaching.com: For all your geocaching needs A site for beginners:http://www.factsfacts.com/geocacher.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geocaching Want to find out more? 16. Other Books For Your Library 17.